I started antidepressants for OCD when I was 17 and that was during my first relationship. Because I started on antidepressants so young, I’ve never really known dating without it.

It’s never been a massive issue for me, and the only thing I’ve found to be an issue is that sometimes people don’t understand the side effects that are involved with antidepressants. They can underestimate the severity of the side effects especially if I’m tired or I’m not feeling well, which can be quite upsetting.

Whenever I date people I tend to go for people who are quite open-minded about mental health.

I don’t mind telling people I’m on antidepressants; it usually comes up before I even go on a date with them, as when I’m talking to people I tend to be quite open. Mental health is a big part of my life and it does impact a lot of areas of my life, so I do bring it up casually in conversation. I don’t make a big deal out of it, and if the other person does, that’s how I kind of know they’re not right for me

I think sometimes people assume I take them for generalised anxiety and depression rather than OCD, and I have been guilty of letting people think that as unfortunately, there’s a larger stigma for OCD than there is for other mental health conditions. Even if there’s no stigma, there’s a lack of understanding, I think, about OCD and the impact it can have on your life

I personally don’t really see the point in concealing aspects of my mental health from people that I’m dating, as it’ll come up eventually. I’d rather it comes up at a time when I’m in a good place to speak about it, as opposed to coming up at a bad time, when I’m not feeling too good. That way, I have a little bit more control over the narrative.

Dating on antidepressants: 8 women share their experiences